Realizing she’d remained silent for longer than was proper, and feeling off kilter because she was thinking about Jacob while on a date with someone else, she giggled. She freed her hand from his and pressed her knuckles to her lips. “I’m sorry to laugh. I am having a nice time.”
The waiter returned, setting a large white dish on the table with a half-dollar sized dessert in its center. Piped into a small, flakey pastry cup, the mousse was topped with an edible flower. They shared the decadent dessert, grinning at each other over the plate.
On the drive to her apartment, he reached over and took her hand, increasing the tension between them. His smile seemed a little too sure that he would get what he wanted. But what did he expect? A kiss at the door? A nightcap in her apartment? More?
In her mind, she scratched the last two thoughts. That left the good night kiss as a viable option. Why waffle on that, though? Physically, he earned all the marks; good-looking face, lean, muscular body, and he’d proven sustainable endurance in his games. But because of his eagerness, like a horse at the race track, she wondered about his interest in her. Was it genuine? Would he read me a romance novel?
Circling the historic district block to find a parking space nearest her apartment, he eventually zeroed in on a tight spot and parallel parked with triumph. While she formulated how to best end their evening, he turned off the engine and hopped out. She clutched her purse and joined him on the brick sidewalk. They walked in silence for a block before she said, “Thanks again for dinner. Maybe we could go out again sometime?”
“It’s still early. We have all night.” He captured her hand, repeating, “We have all night to hang out. We could get a drink at one of these places.” He swiveled his head to read the signs hanging from wrought-iron brackets.
“I hate to disappoint you, but I have an early flight in the morning. Definitely another time though.”
He seemed to take her words in stride and nodded patiently.
“Will you come see me play?”
“Of course. I’d love to.” Immediately she thought of Dylan. He’d appreciate going to a Boston College game, especially since she hadn’t bought tickets for a Celtics game yet, as promised. “I’ve got a busy flight schedule in the next couple of weeks, but I could catch a home game somewhere in between.”
“Great. Come watch a game, and we’ll hang out afterwards.”
She nodded, feeling secure because he wanted a second date.
“I would like to kiss you good night,” he said when they reached her building.
We’re on the same page. A goodnight kiss. To her it was a testament. Would his kiss trump Jacob’s?
***
Two weeks later, Olivia finished a quick run at the Athletic Club. She mopped the sweat from her brow and neck. She’d flown continuously, managing to take days off around the team practices, though she hadn’t yet managed to make it to a Boston College game. She would attend tonight’s practice after she picked Dylan up; it was Tuesday. Tomorrow she’d fly out at dawn.
“Looking good, sista.” Tess met her at the treadmill. “I haven’t seen you in weeks. You’ve definitely lost weight.”
“Yeah, thank goodness. My uniform fits better. And I’ve committed. I’ve been working out every day—minus the concussion time. Even on trips I use the hotel gyms.” She lifted her water bottle and guzzled from it.
“When are you seeing Vince again? Wasn’t your date great? You said he took you to that new high-end restaurant. I need more details.”
“Like I told you, it was nice.” She used a second towel to wipe the equipment.
“Nice?”
Tess followed her to the towel drop-off bin. “We had a bottle of wine. He was charming and funny, recognized by fans…”
“And?”
“He kissed me goodnight.”
Tess’s voice dropped. “And?”
“I didn’t invite him up or anything.”
Tess frowned. “I didn’t expect you would, but…”
Groaning and whispering harshly, Olivia admitted, “He’s a great kisser.”
“Er. Okay.” Tess’s forehead wrinkled with confusion. “Have you talked to him since?”
“No. Texted some. He has a grueling schedule between school, practice, and games.”
“Sounds like an excuse.”
“I’m busy too. My job’s not an excuse.”
“Wait a minute…” Tess’s hands flew up. Her expression filled with attitude, Tess exhaled. “Oh! You’re not still hung up on you-know-who.”
Olivia glanced inconspicuously around before she said, “Okay, look. I never told you, but, you-know-who kissed me again, only this time—Lord, it was better than the last!”
“What! When?”
Olivia tipped her head, and they sauntered away from the busy, noisy area. “Weeks ago, just before I met Vince. We were in the moment—it was impulsive. Then we were interrupted, and he left.”
“First, I can’t believe you didn’t tell me. And second, what the hell? He still doesn’t want to break his rules? Even though he’s obviously into you.”
She stopped to face Tess. “I’m not going to push him. He’s starting a new life, and I don’t want to mess it up.”
“Is he aware you had a date with Vince?”
“Yes, I mentioned it to him. He had no reaction. Vince showed up two weeks ago at a game with red roses. Jacob acted fine—polite, but he disappeared before we left. Since then, he’s been professional, standoffish…”
“Honey, I’m sorry.” Tess encircled Olivia in a hug despite her sticky, sweaty body. Olivia leaned against her, needing comfort.
“Aw, aren’t you two sweet?” said Kyle as he strolled across the hall.
The girls pulled apart, and Tess summoned him with one bent finger.
He obediently obliged, grinning madly. “Oh, you have some sugar for me?”
Olivia averted her gaze while the couple publicly kissed in the Athletic Club they worked at. No rules for them.
When Jacob rounded the corner, Kyle stopped him. “Hey, I was coming to find you. Actually, the stars are aligned—you’re all here.”
Jacob arched his brow; his questioning gaze scanned their faces.
Olivia asked, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Tess shrugged.
Kyle seemed to grin at an inside joke. “Great news. I’ve scored four tickets to an environmental conference in Portsmouth. I want you all to be my guests.” Kyle elbowed Jacob. “It’s in your own backyard, dude. Want to come? It’s Sunday.”
“Cool. I don’t have classes on Sunday,” Tess said.
“I don’t know.” Jacob seemed to be searching for some excuse.
“Hey, man, this may give you some insight on when you should sell your riverfront condo.” Kyle said. “Oceans are rising. This whole area will be underwater someday.”
Graphic visions appeared in her mind of New Bridgeport at risk. It convinced Olivia to attend. “Can’t hurt to learn more about ways to save our environment. I’m in.”
Jacob’s gaze lingered on her, and she said encouragingly, “You should join us.”
“Where is it and what time?” Jacob asked.
“All right, man! Starts at nine at the Harbor Convention Center across from the salt stacks. They provide lunch. We’ll meet in the lobby at 8:30. Hey, I gotta go. I have a client in two minutes. By the way, congratulations on your team winning the basketball game. Later.” He strode away, a boyish bounce in his step.
“Ladies.” Jacob dismissed himself and left.
“Wow, I’m surprised he agreed,” Tess remarked.
Olivia watched Jacob’s torso shrink as he moved farther down the corridor, wondering why indeed.
Chapter Thirteen
Jacob
Harbor Convention Center offered several ballrooms for weddings and conferences. The location featured sweeping views of Portsmouth Harbor’s steady stream of sailing vessels and was within walking distance of several streets bustling w
ith restaurants and shops.
Jacob stood in the main lobby, scanning the banners. The Third Annual International Symposium would bring together experts from around the world to better understand climate impacts on ocean ecosystems—and how to respond. A smaller banner down in the hallway announced in a feminine script, Romance Reader and Author Event.
With an inward chuckle, Jacob pictured Olivia. She had the cutest reactions to the Viking romance novel. She chewed her lip when the heroine was in trouble or squeaked when the hero performed some grand or romantic gesture. But her tears at the tender moments truly reached him, although he had laughed it off and told her it was silly. Yes, the story was silly, but not her. She was endearing, a woman who cared deeply for people, for him. She may want more from their relationship, but she hadn’t pushed, respecting his wishes.
Olivia walked in, Tess and Kyle alongside her. She refreshed the lobby with her open, optimistic gaze and bright smile. Kyle noticed him first.
“Hey, you came.” Kyle held up his knuckles. The men fist-bumped.
“Did you doubt me?” At Jacob’s age, fist-bumping another grownup seemed immature. He was more of a hand-shaker, teaching the kids he mentored life skills. Though Kyle was young at heart, he suspected his age was maybe a year younger than him, possibly twenty-six.
“Nah, man, it’s cool.”
After exchanging pleasantries, the group advanced down the hall. Informative directional signs led them to the events center of the hotel.
Olivia paused at the Romance Reader and Author Event banner and swirled toward Kyle. “You didn’t mention this was going on!”
Kyle’s shoulders lifted to his ears. “I usually don’t read kissy books.”
Jacob cleared his throat at the memories of reading to Olivia, and she cast him a mischievous look, though she kept their little secret.
They reached a second lobby, where several ballroom doors were located. Around the room’s perimeter vendors were setting up.
“Ooh, what’s all this?” Tess asked.
Kyle handed out the tickets. “After lunch we get some free time to walk around, stretch our legs, and learn about ecofriendly products and businesses. It’s filling up. Let’s claim some seats.”
Rows of chairs faced the projector screen. Jacob took the seat beside Olivia. Tess sat at her other elbow. The topics and talks were interesting and informational, appealing to Jacob’s inner conscience. But Olivia’s occasional touch, knee brushing his, shoulders touching, distracted him terribly. At one point she flipped her hair and it cascaded down his arm, the sweet scent causing his knees to bounce. When she pressed her palm on his leg to soothe his bottled tension and distracting movements, it sent a jolt to his groin.
After four speakers and a ten-minute intermission, the morning session wrapped up with a impactful photograph. On the screen was footage of miles and miles of trash floating in the oceans. She dabbed at her eyes. Jacob sent her a reassuring smile, fighting the urge to take her hand.
“And at today’s lunch we will be serving strawless drinks in our effort to minimize waste. Thank you.”
Tess stood first. “Kyle, you were right. This information is vital to our planet’s future.”
“I had no idea it was this bad.” Olivia slung the straps of her canvas bag over her shoulder. “I don’t think I can eat.” She placed a hand on her stomach.
“I doubt they’ll be serving seafood.” Jacob guided her into the dining room next door. He was right. The buffet catered to vegans; three dishes were clearly marked vegetarian. No meat or seafood in sight. Didn’t matter. He ate a plant-based diet and was pleased with his options.
They stood in a long line, loaded their plates, and found an empty table.
“Hey, Kyle, do you live in New Bridgeport?” asked Olivia.
“Nah, I live in Salisbury. I like being near the beach. Over the past fourteen months I’ve been building a tiny house—you know, like on those television shows where people move into a four-hundred-square foot home on wheels.”
“Right. I’ve seen shows about those. Do you live in it?”
“Not yet. I hope to move in next week and test it out before I hit the open road. For now, it’s sitting in my parents’ driveway. Once it’s complete, I’m looking for a vehicle to haul it.”
Jacob’s mentoring skills kicked in. “Do you have a plan? A timeline or savings? I hope you’ll continue working at the Athletic Club.”
“Ah. Ha ha—busted.” The lines around Kyle’s pale blue eyes wrinkled. “Someday, I want hitch up my tiny house and head out west. See the mountains and shit. I’ve got a few bucks stashed away. I don’t want to overly plan anything—it steals from the true adventure.”
“It sounds wonderful.” Tess was goo-goo-eyed for a moment until she seemed to realize she and Kyle weren’t alone. “My dad lives in Seattle. So I’ve gotten to spend some time out west.”
“What about your mom?” Kyle asked.
“She still lives in Hawaii, where I was born. Her and my dad never married. My love of travel came from Daddy. Mom has never even been to the mainland. My dad’s traveled the world extensively for work.”
“I keep telling her to come work for the airlines.” Olivia set her fork on her empty plate.
Tess shook her head, reaching for her purse. “I’m more of a nature lover than a city lover.” She opened a bottle of ibuprofen and popped a pill. “I’m getting a headache just thinking about a stale-smelling, congested city.
“One more thing I love about you.” Kyle squeezed her hand. “Are you feeling all right?”
Tess assured her companions she was fine.
Jacob stretched and grimaced, rubbing his shoulder. Sitting too long made him stiff. “Shall we walk around before the next session?”
The group abandoned their plates to the wait-staff and entered the outer lobby.
“I’m going to the ladies’ room, then I’ll walk around,” Olivia said.
“We’ll save you a seat if we don’t meet up out here,” Tess offered.
Olivia disappeared in the crowd, and Tess and Kyle stopped at a demonstration table. Jacob strolled. He perused the booths, periodically looking up for Olivia. Finally, the lobby emptied out, forcing the trio to enter the conference room.
As the speaker fiddled with the microphone, Olivia brushed past Jacob and took her seat. Her bulging canvas bag landed on the carpet with a thud.
He leaned to murmur against her ear. “I bet I can guess where you vanished to.”
She followed his gaze to the floor. Bending, she uncovered her loot. Inside the canvas bag were a dozen romance novels.
Jacob smiled.
Two hours later, they stood outside, braced against the early March winds.
“What a long day!” Tess slid on her sunglasses, though the day had turned cloudy. “I think I have a migraine coming on.”
“We need to get her home so she can lie down,” Olivia said to Kyle.
“Ahh, no,” she grumbled, “Kyle made reservations at a vegan restaurant. I was looking forward to trying it.”
“Babe, you’re not going to enjoy it with a headache. I’ll take you some other time. I’ll cancel.” He pulled out his cell phone.
“Only if Olivia stays.” Tess stopped Olivia from making a move toward the parking garage. “I don’t want to ruin your night.” Laying a hand on Jacob’s jacket, she asked, “You don’t have a problem with hanging out and giving her a ride home, do you? She rode with us.”
Now on the spot, he said, “We can eat. I can drive her home.” He glanced at Olivia, wondering if she wanted to spend time alone with him. They were keeping their relationship professional, yet he’d only come today to spend time with her.
Before Olivia could respond, Tess’s arms were around her neck. Tess kissed her cheek and released her. She clasped Kyle’s hand and said, “Call you in the morning.”
Olivia stood rigidly at Jacob’s side. “Bye. Hope you feel better, Tess. Thanks again, Kyle,” Olivia called after the
m. They waved but kept walking.
“Are you hungry?” he asked. Suddenly the image of them dining in a restaurant seemed too much like a date. “I have some healthy lasagna at my place, all prepared.” On second thought, being alone together in my condo might be awkward.
She burst out laughing. He laughed too, by association.
“I thought you didn’t eat lasagna. What is ‘healthy’ lasagna?” she air-quoted.
“I made a veggie red sauce and used gluten-free pasta. To substitute cheese, I drizzled in a cashew cream sauce.”
“I’m in. Let’s go, ’cause now I am hungry.”
“I walked here. It’ll take us about ten minutes to get to my place.” The road was jammed with weekend traffic, and pedestrians added to the congestion. “I could get us an Uber, if you’d like.”
“No. Lead the way.” She readjusted the heavy tote bag on her arm, bent over under the weight of it.
“Hand it over.” He took it from her reluctant arms. She rewarded his chivalry with an adoring smile.
Olivia
They reached the multistory brick building in record time. Inside, the lobby offered a modest front desk with two adjacent elevators, trimmed in brass. Jacob nodded to the man behind the counter and moved to press the call button.
Wordlessly, they stepped into the empty elevator. He entered a code and pressed button number four. The building’s historic nautical decor continued throughout, ending when they entered his condo.
“Whoa! How long have you lived here?” Olivia swallowed the astonishment in her voice. “I—I mean…why haven’t you got any furniture?”
Her voice echoed against the bare white walls, hardwood floors, and granite countertops. The only other sound in the room was the fish tank pump. In fact, the fish tank and a worn leather chair were the only features in the living room.
“Moved last June. I’m not much of a shopper. Besides, I’m never here.”
Nine months ago.
Defying Gravity (Landing in Love Book 1) Page 10
